University of Mississippi has good merit aid, and I agree with other poster’s on Univ. Alabama, and Alabama Huntsville. @Lancer1010 - my 17yo is a high stat kid as well, looking at chemical or aerospace engineering. We have given him the option of us paying 100% in state college costs. He is applying to the high merit aid schools listed in this thread. He is also applying for a couple of high cost ‘tippy top’ schools, but knows that the only way to go is if he also gets an ROTC scholarship.
Like others- I’m glad you are thinking about this now. Many of us ‘older folks’ have had to deal with the pain of debt, so you are hearing that in the responses- both on your behalf and your dad’s. If you are able to get through school with a CS degree and no debt, you will have far more options (and far less stress) than so many others in this country. It is a worthy goal!!